Crockpot French Dip sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served on a crusty roll, dipped in rich, flavorful au jus. This classic sandwich is perfect for casual family dinners, game-day gatherings, or any time you crave something warm and savory. Using a crockpot makes this recipe incredibly easy, allowing the beef to cook low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Crockpot French Dip recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals. be sure to also try my 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Wings and French Onion Soup.

A French dip sandwich with tender beef on a crusty roll, served with a side of au jus in a small bowl for dipping.

The Appeal of Slow-Cooked, Tender Beef Sandwiches

What makes Crockpot French Dip sandwiches so appealing is the combination of slow-cooked beef and the deeply savory au jus. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the flavors of the broth, herbs, and spices, resulting in meat that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Paired with a crusty roll and dipped in au jus, each bite is a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The convenience of using a crockpot also means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot French Dip

To make the best Crockpot French Dip sandwiches, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

Beef Roast: A boneless chuck roast or rump roast is ideal for this recipe, as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Beef Broth: Forms the base of the au jus, providing a rich, beefy flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic: Infuses the beef with a robust, savory flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the broth.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a slightly salty flavor to the au jus.
Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh or dried herbs add aromatic notes to the beef and au jus.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the broth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and broth.
Crusty Rolls: French or Italian rolls work well, providing a sturdy base for the sandwich.
Provolone Cheese: Optional, but adds a creamy, melty layer to the sandwich.

The Best Cuts of Beef for French Dip

Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful results in your French Dip sandwiches. Chuck roast is the most popular choice due to its marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Rump roast is another good option, offering a slightly leaner alternative with great flavor. Both cuts are ideal for slow cooking, as they benefit from the long, low-heat process that allows the connective tissues to break down, making the meat tender and easy to shred.

How to Properly Prepare Beef for the Crockpot

Properly preparing the beef ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth:

Trimming: Trim excess fat from the roast, but leave some fat for flavor.
Searing: For added flavor, sear the beef on all sides in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot. This step creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Seasoning: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper before searing to lock in the flavor.

How to Make Crockpot French Dip: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Trim any excess fat from the beef roast. Season it generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a hot skillet, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Crockpot
Place the seared beef in the crockpot. Add the beef broth, sliced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the beef is tender and easy to shred.

Step 5: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot to keep it warm and soak in the juices.

Step 6: Prepare the Au Jus
Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer the liquid on the stove over medium heat to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. This will be your au jus for dipping.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the crusty rolls and layer them with shredded beef. Top with provolone cheese if desired, and serve with a side of au jus for dipping.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot French Dip

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the beef on low for a longer time ensures it becomes tender and flavorful.
Searing for Flavor: While optional, searing the beef before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add a more vibrant flavor to the broth, but dried herbs work well, too, if that’s what you have on hand.
Strain the Au Jus: Straining the au jus before serving ensures a smooth, rich dipping sauce free of any solids.

How to Create a Rich and Flavorful Au Jus

The au jus is a crucial component of the French Dip sandwich, providing a rich, savory dip that enhances every bite. Here’s how to make the best au jus:

Start with Quality Broth: Use a good-quality beef broth as the base. Homemade is best, but store-bought works well in a pinch.
Add Umami Boosters: Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce add depth and umami to the broth, making it more flavorful.
Simmer and Reduce: After slow cooking, strain the cooking liquid and simmer it on the stove to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Creative Ways to Serve Crockpot French Dip

While the classic French Dip sandwich is delicious on its own, you can serve it in various creative ways:

Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve the beef and au jus on an open-faced roll, topped with cheese, and broiled until melted.
French Dip Sliders: Make mini sliders using small rolls, perfect for appetizers or a party.
Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve the shredded beef and au jus over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Nutritional Breakdown of Crockpot French Dip

Crockpot French Dip sandwiches are hearty and satisfying, with a typical serving containing:

Calories: 500-600 kcal (depending on the bread and cheese used)
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Protein: 35-40g

This dish is high in protein and can be adjusted for different dietary needs by choosing leaner cuts of beef or using low-sodium broth.

How to Make a Lower-Calorie or Low-Sodium French Dip

For a healthier version of Crockpot French Dip, consider these adjustments:

Use Leaner Beef: Choose a leaner cut of beef or trim more fat to reduce calories and fat content.
Low-Sodium Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the dish.
Whole Grain Rolls: Substitute white rolls with whole grain rolls for added fiber and nutrients.

Perfect Pairings for Your French Dip Sandwich

Pair your Crockpot French Dip sandwich with the right sides and drinks to create a complete meal:

French Fries: A classic side that complements the sandwich perfectly.
Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich beef.
Pickles: The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
Red Wine: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

What to Do with Leftover French Dip

If you have leftover French Dip, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

French Dip Tacos: Use the shredded beef in soft tortillas, topped with cheese and a drizzle of au jus.
Beef and Cheese Quesadillas: Make quesadillas with shredded beef and melted cheese, served with au jus for dipping.
Beef Stroganoff: Add the beef and au jus to a pan with sour cream, mushrooms, and egg noodles for a quick stroganoff.

How to Make the Best Crockpot French Dip

Ingredients:

3-4 lbs boneless chuck roast
4 cups beef broth
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
6-8 crusty French rolls
Provolone cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and season generously with salt and pepper.
In a hot skillet, sear the beef on all sides until browned. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
Add the beef broth, sliced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot to soak in the juices.
Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors for the au jus.
Slice the French rolls and layer them with shredded beef. Add provolone cheese if desired.
Serve the sandwiches with a side of au jus for dipping.

Vegan and Vegetarian French Dip Variations

For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy a French Dip-inspired sandwich:

Mushroom French Dip: Replace the beef with thick slices of portobello mushrooms, slow-cooked in vegetable broth with the same seasonings.
Jackfruit French Dip: Shredded jackfruit makes a great substitute for beef, offering a similar texture when slow-cooked in a flavorful broth.

Adapting the Recipe for Gluten-Free Diets

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe:

Gluten-Free Rolls: Use gluten-free rolls instead of regular French rolls.
Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Beef Broth: Ensure the beef broth used is certified gluten-free.

Creative Flavor Twists for Your Crockpot French Dip

While the classic French Dip is delicious, you can add a twist by incorporating different flavors:

Garlic and Herb: Add extra garlic and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for a more aromatic sandwich.
Spicy French Dip: Add sliced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a spicy kick.
BBQ French Dip: Mix in some BBQ sauce with the au jus for a tangy, smoky flavor.

Some of our favorites include:

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot French Dip

Can I make Crockpot French Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and au just ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I store leftover French Dip?
Store the shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Crockpot French Dip?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded beef and au jus in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat French Dip?
Reheat the beef and au jus gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, Gruyère or mozzarella cheese are all great alternatives to provolone.

What other bread can I use?
Ciabatta or hoagie rolls work well if you can’t find French rolls. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the au jus.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot French Dip

Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining the dish’s flavor and texture:

Refrigeration: Store the beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the beef in the crockpot on low or on the stovetop until warmed through. Reheat the au jus separately in a saucepan.
Freezing: Freeze the beef and au jus in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Fix Common Problems with Crockpot French Dip

If your Crockpot French Dip doesn’t turn out as expected, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Tough Beef: If the beef is tough, it may need to cook longer. Return it to the crockpot and cook on low until tender.
Bland Au Jus: If the au jus lacks flavor, reduce it on the stovetop to concentrate the flavors. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Dry Beef: If the beef is dry, ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth during cooking. Add more broth if necessary.

Why Crockpot French Dip Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Crockpot French Dip sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food—tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection, served on a crusty roll, and dipped in rich, savory au jus. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or feeding a crowd, this recipe is easy to make and always a hit. With its hearty flavors and satisfying textures, Crockpot French Dip is a classic dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your taste, making it the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.